A firearm was discharged inside the Pittsburg Police Department on Thursday during a struggle involving an officer and a 31-year-old man who had been arrested, leaving both injured and prompting a major emergency response at the Civic Center.
The incident happened at the police headquarters in Pittsburg, California, where officers had brought the man for booking following his arrest.
According to investigators, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation while the suspect was being handled inside the department. A firearm went off during the struggle, striking both the officer and the suspect.
The injured officer was taken to a local hospital and was listed in serious but stable condition. The suspect was also hospitalized and was reported to be in stable condition.
Emergency crews responded to the Pittsburg Civic Center, which includes the police headquarters and City Hall. The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said three people were taken to a hospital following the incident. A second officer reportedly suffered a minor injury during the confrontation.
Investigation Underway
The circumstances surrounding how the firearm entered the booking area remain a central part of the investigation.
Law enforcement sources said the man may not have been properly searched, or may not have been searched at all, before being placed in a holding cell. Authorities have not publicly confirmed those details or identified who owned the firearm.
The shooting occurred hours after the man’s arrest, when officers were preparing to move him from the police department for further processing.
Investigators from the Pittsburg Police Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office are examining the incident. Officials have not released additional details about the suspect’s underlying felony case or explained exactly how the weapon came into his possession.
Officials Respond to Shooting
Pittsburg Mayor Dionne Adams expressed support for the injured officer, the department and the officer’s family following the shooting.
Adams described the incident as deeply troubling for the community and thanked officers for their response.
The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected as authorities work to establish how the firearm was brought into the police facility and what led to the confrontation.
The officer and suspect were both receiving medical treatment as of the latest update.
